Florence, South Carolina: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
The town of Florence is home of many southern traditions in agriculture and dining. It’s a perfect place to enjoy local communities and southern heritage charm. The population size of Florence was 39,958 in 2021 and the average temperature is in the high 80’s. The city of Florence is also known for its university influence and support of the arts, there are numerous theater performances and art exhibitions. There are many parks and outdoor areas to explore all connected by a system of trails which include a walk around the Carolina Bay.
- Florence, South Carolina: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
- About Assisted Living in Florence, SC
- Considerations when looking for care in Florence, SC
- Cities Near Florence SC
- Pricing and How to Pay for Assisted Living
- Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Florence
- Questions to Ask
- Resources and Links – South Carolina
- Search Other Areas Assisted Living
About Assisted Living in Florence, SC
Community residential care facilities (CRCFs) offer personal care that can be catered to the needs of each client. Alternatively, the residents of CRCFs are cared for by experienced caretakers allowing the residents to build community by engaging in activities and for families to focus on being a family. Assisted living facilities in Florence do not offer medical care but they do provide daily care that includes medications, bathing, transitions, meals, and immediate attention to emergencies. Included in this definition is any facility (other than a hospital), which offers or represents to the public that it offers a beneficial or protected environment specifically for individuals who have mental illness or disabilities.
Considerations when looking for care in Florence, SC
Within a 25 mile radius there are 20 assisted living communities. It’s important to note that these facilities may be referred to as “assisted living” provided they meet the above definition of community residential care facility. Florence is a wonderful place to settle down and create community. It is near bigger cities for adventure but has a relaxed suburban feel. Healthy Connections, South Carolina’s medicaid program, does not offer assisted-living room and board but it does cover medical costs, transportation to and from appointments, and personal care services.
Assisted Living Communities near Florence, South Carolina
The Pines At Florence
Florence, South Carolina 29501
Wren Creek Estates Senior Living
Florence, South Carolina 29501
Wesleyan Suites
Florence, South Carolina 29501
The Legacy Of Hartsville
Hartsville, South Carolina 29550
Retreat At Carolina Bay
Hartsville, South Carolina 29550
Pee Dee Gardens
Florence, South Carolina 29501
Padd-wren Home
Florence, South Carolina 29501
M & M Residential Care Home
Marion, South Carolina 29571
L And C Residential Care
Florence, South Carolina 29501
Hannah Residential Manor
Pamplico, South Carolina 29583
Cities Near Florence SC
- Myrtle Beach – 67 miles southeast of Florence
- Charlotte – 106 miles northwest of Florence
- Hartsville – 23 miles northwest of Florence
- Pee Dee – 11 miles east of Florence
Pricing and How to Pay for Assisted Living
Paying for senior care depends on several factors. The average base cost of assisted living in the United States is around $4,100 per month. Assisted living costs vary due to the level of care a resident requires and any additional amenities they may need. Some residents will have a lower base pay because they only need meals and socialization. Other residents may need additional support with dressing, bathing, medication reminders, incontinence care and transferring assistance which require a higher level of care. Therefore the higher the care level, the higher monthly care costs. Additionally, costs fluctuate depending on the city, region, and state in which you are seeking a community.
The average statewide cost of living in a Community Residential Care Facility in South Carolina ranges from $2,200 / month to $5,475 / month. The average cost in South Caroline is $3,988 / month and in Florence it is $4,163 / month.
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
- Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting what is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
- Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
- Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
- Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
- Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
- And finally (along with a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the Executive Director, Head Nurse, Lead Activities Director and even the Chef or Janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Florence
MUSC Health Florence Medical Center
805 Pamplico Hwy, Florence, SC 29505
McLeod Pavilion
801 E Cheves St, Florence, SC 29506
Carolinas Hospital System Outpatient Rehabilitation Center
1925 Hoffmeyer Rd #4011, Florence, SC 29501
Resources and Links – South Carolina
South Carolina Department on Aging works with 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging and a network of local organizations to develop and manage services that help seniors remain independent in their homes and in their communities.
Community Residential Care Facilities this website provides a description of what qualifies as a community residential care facility and the regulations and codes of law.
South Carolina Adult Protective Services is part of South Carolina’s public safety system and is responsible for protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation by their caretakers
Vantage Point is the Pee Dee Regional Agency on Aging and the Aging and Disability Resource Center. They advocate and provide services for seniors and their caregivers in the six counties of the Pee Dee Region (Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro). They provide information and referral information to disabled individuals residing in the region.
Appalachian Aging and Disability Resource Center offers in-depth information about the following aging services: Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, Family Caregiver Program, State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), Information & Referral, Nutrition Program
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.